Sentenced: Same Sex Couple Murder 3YO Boy After Mom Abandons Him For 2 Weeks

[Sugar Cookie]

Prosecutors on Monday charged a Moorhead couple with the murder of a 3-year-old boy who was beaten to death while in their care.

Rosa Esperanza Garza, 24, and Shiann Lynn Erickson, 22, are accused of killing the boy in March. Investigators received the final autopsy report June 28 that states the homicide was caused by an assault, notably a blow that perforated the boy's bowel. The report said the boy suffered 28 blunt force injuries.

Moorhead police and paramedics responded March 18 after a 911 call about a boy not breathing came in around 1 a.m. Officers saw heavy bruising on the boy's face and body. They attempted life saving measures before taking him to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo where he died.

A woman told police that she arrived at the apartment shortly before 1 a.m. to watch the boy and his infant sister at the request of Garza, who goes by the first name Mason and uses he/him pronouns in the criminal complaint. Erickson is Garza's girlfriend.

The woman was asked to watch the children because Erickson was sick and needed to go to the hospital. But the woman said the boy was also sick and had been throwing up and couldn't keep any food down.

The boy asked the woman for water. He then started coughing and gagging and became unresponsive. She later told police that Erickson and Garza have tempers and she witnessed Garza slap and spank the victim.

At the hospital, detectives contacted several family members including the biological mother who said she left her children in the care of Garza. She hadn't seen her kids in two weeks and said at the time they seemed fine. But she said her son sometimes had bruising or injuries she amounted to him being "clumsy."

She talked to her son about six hours before he died. She learned he was sick, but again said that he sounded fine. Garza texted her to call him and said it was an emergency.

Garza told police at the hospital that the victim was rarely sick but the boy was vomiting throughout the day and would stand over the toilet vomiting to the point of almost passing out. He said the boy complained about his stomach hurting. They propped the boy up on a couch with a pillow to help his breathing.

Erickson suggested that Garza bring the boy to the hospital but Garza said he was fine.

Erickson told police that Garza had been abusive toward her in the past and would on occasion lose his temper with the boy. She said she would stand between Garza and the boy so he wouldn't get hit. But she denied seeing Garza assault the boy in the days leading up to his death.

She and Garza gave their cellphones to detectives who found concerning text messages, some of which were deleted but recovered. Erickson texted Garza the afternoon of March 17 "Ok have fun with your little [expletive]. Go beat on her kid..."

MSN

From the mom

 

[Busy Bee]

That’s brutal, how hard do you have to hit to perforate the bowel? The “mother” and both friends should be put away! Wonder if mason he/him will opt to go to a men’s prison?

 

[Sugar Cookie]

#justiceforeastyn3

 

[BuffettGirl]

I'm sure that aside from the beatings, all that chaos was just a swell environment for a child...

 

[Sugar Cookie]

People are saying mom knew

 

[Sugar Cookie]

March 18th marks one year since 3-year-old Eastyn Deronjic was murdered.

Eastyn Deronjic died at Sanford Hospital after a 911 call on March 18. Court documents say officers who responded to the scene noted that the child appeared to have heavy bruising on his face and body.

At the time of his death, Moorhead Police said Deronjic and his younger sibling had been living at the apartment with 21-year-old Shiann Erickson and 24-year-old Rosa Garza. Erickson and Garza were arrested on July 8 and are each charged with one count of 2nd degree murder.

According to court documents filed on July 9, the final autopsy report outlines evidence of 28 blunt force injuries to the child. The manner of death was ruled homicide and the cause of death is listed as an assault.

The medical examiner’s report says the boy died from peritonitis due to a perforation of the bowel, and this injury appears to be from one “blow.” The medical examiner said a child with such an injury may be able to survive for a few days, but would be in significant discomfort.

Court records state Eastyn’s mother told investigators her children had been living with Erickson and Garza since August 2023 and she had last seen him about two weeks before his death. Eastyn’s mother says he would sometimes have bruising or injuries when she saw him, but claimed it was because the boy was clumsy.

Court records also state that Erickson and Garza were trying to get Eastyn’s mother to sign over temporary care of the children.

Erickson and Garza told investigators that Eastyn started throwing up on March 16. Over the course of the two days leading up to his death, the suspects said the boy would vomit to the point of almost passing out. Court records also state Eastyn complained that his body and stomach hurt, and he was not able to keep food down.

According to court records, Eastyn continued to vomit throughout the day on Sunday and Garza described the child as “exhausted” and laying his head on the toilet. He told investigators that the bruising on Eastyn’s face was from passing out while vomiting and hitting his face on the toilet, though Garza says he never actually saw this happen because the 3-year-old was in the bathroom alone.

Court documents state that Erickson told investigators that Garza had been assaultive toward her and would occasionally lose his temper with Eastyn. Erickson said sometimes she would have to stand between Garza and Eastyn so he would not hit the child.

Court records say investigators were able to secure the cellphones of Erickson and Garza. They say several messages had been deleted, but they were able to recover some of them. Investigators say on March 17, Erickson and Garza appeared to be arguing and one message from Erickson to Garza said, “Ok have fun with your little b****. Go beat on her kid.”

Later that night, Garza allegedly texted a photo of Eastyn laying on the couch with bruising under his eye and a swollen, bruised stomach. Court records state Erickson said she was going to take Eastyn to the hospital on March 17, but never did.

Court cases move forward, one year since murder of Moorhead toddler

March 18th marks one year since 3-year-old Eastyn Deronjic was murdered.

www.valleynewslive.com

 

[Sugar Cookie]

With her co-defendant and one-time partner slated to be sentenced for the murder of 3-year-old Eastyn Deronjic later this week, the woman accused in the child abuse-related death entered a not guilty plea in Clay County Court Monday morning.

Attorneys for Shiann Erickson, 23, told Judge Tammy Merkins they expect to take the case to trial but intend to have an expert evaluate their client prior to the trial for the "psychological effects and repercussions of domestic abuse." Defense attorney Dierra Diegel also suggested Erickson may move for a change of venue for the trial due to several factors, including the decision of Erickson's co-defendant, 25-year-old Mason Garza, to plead guilty as well as the extensive media coverage the case has received.

According to court documents, Garza and Erickson had been caring for Deronjic and his younger sibling for nearly eight months when Deronjic died March 18, 2024, while in their care. The children's biological mother told police she left them in Garza's care "after having some personal issues."

When emergency responders arrived at their apartment on a call of a child not breathing and started CPR, they observed multiple bruises on Deronjic's face, legs and torso. The final autopsy report "outlined 28 blunt force injuries" and "noted the manner of death was homicide and the cause of death was an assault."

Garza and Erickson were arrested and charged after the autopsy results came in last July, more than three months after Deronjic's death.

When investigators interviewed Erickson, she told them she "would stand between the victim and Defendant 1 (Garza) so Defendant 1 would hit her and not the victim," but she denied witnessing Garza hit Deronjic in the days leading to the boy's death.

Garza pleaded guilty to the single count of second-degree murder last month and is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday. During his sentencing hearing, Garza admitted to abusing Deronjic on the day of the child's death.


"I used unnecessary force. I lost my temper, and I striked him," Garza told the court.

Both Garza and Erickson face harsher sentences in the case "due to the victim being treated with particular cruelty," and based on "the victim's particular vulnerability" and "Defendants' use of a position of trust or authority to facilitate the commission of the offense," according to prosecutors, whose motion for aggravated sentencing was granted by Merkins in January.

continue reading

https://www.inforum.com/news/moorhe...-murder-of-moorhead-toddler-pleads-not-guilty

 

[Sugar Cookie]

District Court Judge Tammy L. Merkins on Thursday ordered Rosa Esperanza Garza to serve a sentence of 20 years in a state correctional facility for the 2024 slaying of young Eastyn James Deronjic, court documents reviewed by Law&Crime show.

Garza last month pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder in connection with Eastyn’s death. Under Minnesota state law, Garza, who now goes by “Mason Garza,” is required to serve at least 2/3 of her sentence in prison, which is just over 13 years, and the final 1/3 on supervised probation.

Garza’s co-defendant in the case, 23-year-old Shiann Lynn Erickson, is also charged with second-degree murder. She pleaded not guilty to the charge and is expected to go to trial later this year.

Caregiver who killed friend's toddler and tried to blame death on skateboard fall learns fate

Rosa Garza, who now goes by Mason Garza, was sentenced to 20 years in a Minnesota prison for beating a friend's 3-year-old to death last year.

lawandcrime.com

 

[Sugar Cookie]

The second of two people convicted in the 2024 abuse and neglect-related death of a Moorhead toddler was sentenced to 15 years in prison, the maximum allowable under the sentencing guidelines for her crime, on Wednesday, May 27.

Last month, Shiann Erickson, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the March 2024 death of 3-year-old Eastyn Deronjic. Erickson's then-partner, Mason Garza, was sentenced to a 20-year prison term in the case last year.

The couple had been caring for Deronjic and his baby sister, Aminah, at the children's mother's request for eight months prior to the boy's death.

Diegel argued that, while Erickson admitted she neglected to bring Deronjic to a hospital when he was in need of care, that lack of action was "substantially less serious" than Garza's, and "there has been zero evidence that Ms. Erickson was ever the proprietor of any abuse."

While they did not bring Deronjic to the hospital before he died, Garza did take Erickson to the hospital for her illness, court documents said. Diegel argued that Erickson's
"condition rendered her under some impairment to making the appropriate decisions."

"Ms. Erickson was also the victim of years of physical, emotional, and financial abuse at the hands of Garza," Diegel argued, noting that Erickson had previously asserted “Battered Woman Syndrome” defense in the case prior to pleading guilty.


In court on Wednesday, a clinical forensic psychologist testified that Erickson suffered from PTSD from "psychological, physical and sexual abuse," and was under the "coercive control" of Garza for years prior to Deronjic's death.

Erickson read from a letter she wrote apologizing for what happened and taking what she called "full accountability for failing to protect Eastyn," and wishing she hadn't "stayed quiet" about Deronjic's deteriorating health prior to his death.

"I would never intentionally do anything to hurt those babies or any child," Erickson wrote. "I wish I could take away all the pain I have caused to the family, community, and everyone involved in Eastyn and Aminah's lives."

Clay County prosecutor Pamela Foss argued Erickson "clearly does not know what taking 'full accountability' means," and that Erickson's letter and statements contained "nothing but excuses and assertions of why she is the victim ... minimizing her involvement and blaming others for Eastyn's death."


"Eastyn's death was entirely preventable," Foss said. "Anyone with eyes could not have missed his injuries, and the defendant bypassed every opportunity to take action or access resources that could have saved him."

During sentencing, Merkins referenced photos prosecutors submitted into evidence of Deronjic's injuries, and said any mitigating factors raised by the defense were "no excuse" for ignoring the boy's clearly deteriorating and ultimately fatal condition.


"There is no question that anyone who saw him would have to be aware he was suffering," Merkins said. "You had a duty to Eastyn, and your inaction resulted in Eastyn's death."

Read more

'You had a duty to Eastyn': Woman sentenced to max for her role in Moorhead toddler's death

Shiann Erickson admitted she neglected to seek medical assistance for 3-year-old Eastyn Deronjic, who died of abuse and neglect-related injuries while he was in her care.

www.inforum.com

Even though Garza now identifies as a he I bet it is in a female prison

 

[thuumpr]

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MSN

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From the mom
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It takes A village.

 

[Sugar Cookie]

In prison her name is still Rosa Esperanza Garza

Anticipated Release Date: 11/09/2037
Expiration Date: 07/06/2044


Current Status: Incarcerated as of 05/15/2025. Currently at MCF Shakopee.

I am so happy that this bullfrog can have her gender bullshit confirmed and they will address the trauma she went through murdering a little boy.

Since 1920, Minnesota has housed all females at a facility in Shakopee. In 1986, incarcerated women were transferred from the old "women's reformatory" building to a modern correctional facility.

MCF-Shakopee offers a variety of evidence-based programming that is both gender-responsive and trauma informed. Programming includes cognitive behavioral interventions such as Moving On, Beyond Trauma, Beyond Violence, and Decision Points. It also includes substance use disorder and mental health treatment. The facility offers a wide variety of re-entry services and resources. Women have access to a variety of academic and vocational educational opportunities. MINNCOR Industries provides work opportunities. Other employment opportunities include facility maintenance crews, food service, or other programs throughout the facility.

Shakopee / Department of Corrections

mn.gov

 

[Rebooto]

People are saying mom knew

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How can anyone post pictures of a battered child. Everyone seeing this knows instantly this appears to be normal for that people, so the child is beaten regularly.

 

[Rebooto]

In prison her name is still Rosa Esperanza Garza

Anticipated Release Date: 11/09/2037
Expiration Date: 07/06/2044


Current Status: Incarcerated as of 05/15/2025. Currently at MCF Shakopee.


View attachment 199701

I am so happy that this bullfrog can have her gender bullshit confirmed and they will address the trauma she went through murdering a little boy.

Shakopee / Department of Corrections

mn.gov

Bullfrog!!! Hahahahaha made my day

 

[Sugar Cookie]

Forgot to add the sarcasm emoji.... fuck this fat bitch's trauma.

She wants to act like a man she should have been placed in a male prison ao she could get your a little taste of what Eastyn went through.

 

[Busy Bee]

Sugar Cookie, “I bet he is in a female prison “ That was my question too!! I have yet to hear about the trans woman to male, opting to go to a male prison. Please correct me if I’m incorrect.. Miss Erickson claims abuse by ms Garza. You were an adult and could have left any time! You failed to protect an innocent, defenseless child!

 

[Sugar Cookie]

Sugar Cookie, “I bet he is in a female prison “ That was my question too!! I have yet to hear about the trans woman to male, opting to go to a male prison. Please correct me if I’m incorrect.. Miss Erickson claims abuse by ms Garza. You were an adult and could have left any time! You failed to protect an innocent, defenseless child!

He is that is why I posted the information about the prison.

I don't think any transgender man has asked to go to a male prison they all go to the female prison where they can play the role of the man.

It seems only men who claims to be transgender women who want to go to the female prison.

It sucks but too many times the bio-parent has claimed they were too abused to protect their child...I doubt that will ever change.